Firstly, if I were to set an ordinary cellphone on fire, would it pose a serious hazard? That is to say, does a cellphone (non-color screen, no camera or mp3 capabilities) contain any parts which may explode or present any other serious hazard to the participants of this stunt upon exposure to flame?
Secondly, is vinegar flammable? If not, can anyone recommend any common household liquids which may have the desired effect?
Thanks
2007-07-13 12:39:26 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The battery will definitely explode in some fashion. Likely spewing acidic goo. Some batteries actually blow apart sending out fragments.
The plastics will certainly have acrid black smoke, probably bad to inhale that stuff.
2007-07-13 12:59:04 · answer #1 · answered by James H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you set a cell phone on fire there would be two hazards. The casing is a plastic type of material and when plastic burns it releases a thick black smoke which is harmful when inhaled. Second is the battery. Some batteries contain, nickel, cadmium, and even mercury. When any of these materials burn they do release vapors that are very toxic.
Vinegar is not flammable however is you are lloking for any other household flammable item, try nail poilsh remover. the acetone and ethyl acetate should do the trick. Or you could try rubbing alcohol. Good luck
2007-07-13 20:29:00 · answer #2 · answered by scott k 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aside from the foul, noxious smoke produced if you can get a cell phone to start burning, you also have the danger of the battery or batteries exploding and spraying caustics everywhere.
I've never needed to check the flammability of vinegar. What is your desired effect? Do we need to alert your local police or fire departments?
2007-07-13 20:03:13 · answer #3 · answered by Helmut 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the battery is more than likely dangerous, though i am not sure (practically all batteries say "do not dispose of in fire"). Outside of the batteries, I do not think any other parts would be particularly dangerous, though inhaling the smoke (it is smoke after all) would not be recommended. To the latter question - I do not think so; it contains a lot of water. Flammables: gasoline, Tiki-torch fluid, rubbing alcohol, anything else that says Warning! flammable...
2007-07-13 19:57:54 · answer #4 · answered by WeatherNerd 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off all, don't do it. Second it won't be hazardous if you do it underwater and stay at least a mile away. Third (the second question), not in my opinion. As for flammable liquids, gasoline. That's the only one I know. Maybe paint.
2007-07-13 22:10:19 · answer #5 · answered by S N 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Watch out for Nickel metal hydride batteries. Aside from the explosion when the sealed case ruptures from the heat, you can also get a chemical explosion. As for vinegar burning---it is about 3% acetic acid--won't burn. However---if you get glacial acetic acid (~99%), that will burn. Don't play with it. You can get a chemical burn from it that will surprise you. The burns are very painful and slow to heal.
2007-07-13 20:31:42 · answer #6 · answered by Brian T 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
any chance you are an insane Pyro-maniac?
2007-07-13 19:47:18 · answer #7 · answered by Spiffy T. Monkey 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you have a lot of free time don't you?
lol! don't burn any buildings!!
2007-07-13 19:51:13 · answer #8 · answered by Sherri 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋